University of Akron president says he supports 'right to retool' Rethinking Race series
RJ Nemer says he supports "the program's panel themes, the thought-provoking discussions and the dynamic keynote speakers."
University of Akron President R.J. Nemer issued a statement Tuesday about the decision to discontinue the Rethinking Race series, adding context to the news that it would not be held this year due to state and federal guidance on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at public universities.
Nemer said he was writing to "address widespread speculation and the resulting concerns" over the ending of the program, noting it was not budgeted for this year after the last event was held in November.
Attendance at that event was low, he said, leading to a decision not to move forward with it this year and to reallocate the funds. Nemer said while he wasn't aware of the decision at that time, "I nevertheless support the office's right to retool."
As a past co-chair of the event, he said: "I offer my voice of support for the importance of the program's panel themes, the thought-provoking discussions and the dynamic keynote speakers. Simultaneously, I trust the UA leadership team to make programming decisions that best reflect the strongest programs and the best use of resources."
Rumors began swirling two weeks ago that the series had been canceled.
The university issued a statement confirming it would no longer be held as a result of recent executive orders on DEI from the Trump administration.
"While the University offers a variety of events for students and the community, we must do so in the context of a state institution that is required to abide by law, regulations and guidance at both the federal and state levels, from which we receive funding," a university statement said. "As a result of that guidance, the University has decided not to budget for Rethinking Race this year."
In a Beacon Journal op-ed this week, UA Board Chairman Lewis W. Adkins Jr., the sole Black member of the Board of Trustees, said there were more reasons than just DEI pushback behind the decision not to continue with the series.
"Rethinking Race was a program that involved students, faculty, staff and community members alike to discuss issues of race relations, equity and other salient topics," Adkins wrote. "Its history traces back to the Clinton administration. Last year, however, there was a significant decline in attendance.
"This fact, coupled with the desire to connect more people, prompted the university office charged with this type of programming to retool and revitalize its offerings. As such, in looking toward the 2025-2026 academic year, the Office of Community Engagement, Opportunity & Belonging did not budget for Rethinking Race in its present form."
Nemer said in his letter to campus that events for Black History Month are "carrying on as planned."
"While there are no plans to offer Rethinking Race in its past form in the years to come, there is certainly room for similar programs — ones that bring together panels of experts and provide forums for tough conversations," he said. "Most importantly, I can assure our close-knit community that The University of Akron remains committed to ensuring discussions that promote a safe campus environment and a universal sense of belonging."
Contact education reporter Jennifer Pignolet at jpignolet@thebeaconjournal.com, at 330-996-3216 or on Twitter @JenPignolet.
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